House committee votes to exempt casinos from smoking ban

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinoisans could once again be able to smoke in casinos if a bill approved Thursday by the House Executive Committee becomes law.

ANDY BROWNFIELD

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinoisans could once again be able to smoke in casinos if a bill approved Thursday by the House Executive Committee becomes law.

House Bill 171, which passed on a 10-1 vote, would exempt casinos from the 2007 Smoke Free Illinois Act. The bill now goes before the full House.

The measure’s sponsor, Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago, said the measure would help Illinois casinos recoup lost jobs and revenue caused by smokers choosing to gamble in neighboring states.

“This bill balances health considerations with huge revenue losses as a result of the smoking ban at casinos,” Thapedi said. “This bill does not encourage or promote smoking. Those that choose to smoke will smoke.”

Heather Eagleton of the American Cancer Society testified in opposition to the bill, saying that the smoking ban is one of the most popular public health measures in the state.

Jay Keller, a lobbyist for Penn National Gaming, which owns casinos in Alton and Joliet, testified that Illinois casinos have lost more business since the ban was enacted than have casinos in adjacent states

Indiana, Missouri and Iowa allow smoking in casinos. The proposal would not allow smoking in any other businesses or public buildings.